New Software Release

Product overview

Symmetry™ process simulation software helps users model process workflows in a single collaborative environment, while integrating pipelines, pipe networks, facilities models, and flare systems to enable consistent thermodynamics and fluid characterization across the whole system. With Symmetry software, users can switch between steady-state and dynamic modeling; optimize processes in upstream, midstream, downstream, and new energy sectors; and maximize the total value of the asset.

Release details

Symmetry 2025.1 features enhanced optimizer usability, high-fidelity options to model rate-based towers and multiphase flow in pipes, access to a new built-in process flow diagram (PFD) option, and much more.
 

Optimize your facility more efficiently with enhanced control over solver performance 

Enhancements to Symmetry software’s built-in optimizer will make it easier for experts and non-experts to better understand and influence the solver’s performance. A new plot helps users to visualize the optimization path, including progress, changes in manipulated variables, and constraint boundaries. A detailed log provides additional transparency into the optimization method behavior. Users can take greater control over the optimization process with new options for specifying termination criteria, problem scaling, and perturbation sizes. Enhanced status messages ensure a more efficient and user-friendly experience, helping users achieve optimal results with ease. 

Safeguard your work with automatic model backups  

Symmetry software’s new auto-backup option enables users to automatically generate backup files of their working case. This added layer of protection reduces the risk of making irreversible changes to the model, as well as potential losses from unexpected events like system crashes. The user can customize auto-backup behavior by modifying both the minimum time between backups and the maximum number of case versions to save. Backup files are saved alongside the active case for easy access and smooth recovery, enhancing productivity and peace of mind.

Predict the impact of packing selection on tower efficiency 

The rate-based mode of the tower unit operation now includes the Billet-Schultes mass transfer model, allowing for accurate calculation of mass transfer efficiency and hydraulics in packed columns. This update expands Symmetry software’s tower sizing database with 54 new packing types and their Billet-Schultes constants. Users can import internal details from a tower sizing case directly into the rate-based solver, ensuring the appropriate parameters are applied. This new model offers a robust alternative to empirical calculations, enhancing confidence in column design across a broader range of conditions.

Enable a light PFD tool for simplified installations 

Symmetry software’s built-in PFD drawing tool offers diagramming and vector graphics capability, making it ideal for those building new simulation cases. The built-in PFD tool eliminates the need for third-party software installation and licensing, providing a seamless and cost-effective solution. Significant speed improvements have already been observed in some workflows and further user experience enhancements will be possible in the future. The option to use Microsoft Visio® or the built-in PFD is available within Symmetry software settings and can be changed at any time. Early adopters are invited to explore this initial phase and be part of our innovation journey.

Improve accuracy of multiphase pressure drop calculations with Olga-S flow model 

Symmetry software’s 64-bit installation can now apply predictions from the Olga-S flow model for high-fidelity, steady-state pressure drop calculations in all workspaces. Olga-S is the steady-state prediction routine, or point model, from the Olga™ dynamic multiphase flow simulator. It is a mechanistic model that simulates each of the flow regimes in multiphase flow and determines the main flow properties. The new vendor-agnostic installation of Olga-S is acquired and licensed through SLB.